The Canton Community Health Fund (CCHF) seeks applicants for money available to any nonprofit or community agency whose efforts contribute to the health and well-being of Canton. The organization also offers a scholarship to high school seniors and is seeking applicants for both the grants and scholarship.

Last year, CCHF awarded over $25,000 in grants, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 per applicant. Past grant recipients include: Focus on Canton, FAVARH, Canton Volunteer Fire and EMS, Canton Parks and Recreation Department, Canton Food Bank and the Canton Public Library. Funds have been used to purchase everything from an automated external defibrillator (AED) machine for the town pool, trail signage, food for Canton residents in need and story hour for preschoolers and their parents.

Additionally, CCHF awards the Dr. Diters Scholarship annually to any Canton resident pursuing an education in a health-related field, however the application deadline is April 1, earlier than the deadline for the community grants. Canton High School students must apply through the Canton High School guidance office; all other applicants may apply online by April 1 at cantoncommunityhealthfund.org.

CCHF is a private, nonprofit foundation run by an all-volunteer board of Canton residents. Founded over 50 years ago, CCHF’s original funds came from generous donations from Canton residents to the Canton VNA. When that organization merged with McLean in 1997, a fund was established to ensure those donations stayed in Canton to benefit Canton residents. Since its founding, an all-volunteer board works to oversee the investment and the distribution of the funds.